Gov. Steve Beshear said Monday that he also sees no guarantee of fast-tracking the mammoth project.

"We're going to need the northern Kentucky community to come together and partner with the rest of the state if we're going to be able to move forward on that project," Beshear said.

The support of the region is an open question as bridge watchers anticipate a AAA survey on tolls this month and a Value for Money study next month.

State Representative Addia Wuchner wants to see the studies first, then explore a deeper dialogue.

Some of her constituents aren't in a waiting mood.

"They stop me on the street and they're, you know, please vote no for tolls," Wucher said.

When Kentucky's General Assembly shifts into gear Tuesday, it could start hearing from political bodies like Boone County Fiscal Court, which is considering a resolution opposing tolls.

"I do hear from companies as well, though, that use the bridge regularly, that want to see the congestion improve, that actually say they would support tolls," said Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore.

Everyone seems to agree that the bridge is functionally obsolete, with both congestion and safety concerns.

Beshear and his counterpart in Ohio, Gov. John Kasich, have a tough sell in trying to convince daily commuters to buy in to the plan.

Beshear said today he hates tolls, but recognizes the reality.

"You know, the bottom line is going to be, in the end, do we want a bridge?" he said.